Upwork vs. Fiverr
A side-by-side comparison for clients seeking talent to power their business
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Upwork is G2’s #1 freelance platform
Access a worldwide network of skilled professionals
Connect with professionals offering a variety of skills
When each platform works best for your needs
Find the right talent for your specific needs
Work with trusted professionals verified by real people
Use built-in AI to work faster and smarter
Describe your needs and start projects without leaving ChatGPT
Easily adapt project scope and direction as needs evolve
Keep payments secure in escrow while work is in progress
Collaborate through video meetings, file sharing, and messaging
Invite and work with professionals you already trust
Use an app designed for easy hiring and project management
Resolve disputes through moderated support for all clients
How contracts are priced on each platform
Fees based on contract value
Additional fees charged per contract
Proven and trusted by businesses worldwide
Hear what real clients have to say about Upwork
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Take the first step toward a smarter talent strategy
Get started for freeFrequently asked questions
Yes, it’s free to create an account and post a job on Upwork. You only pay once you start a contract with a freelancer.
Most clients hire within three days of posting a job. Once your job is live, freelancers begin submitting proposals. You can also invite specific freelancers to apply or review suggested freelancer matches to move faster.
No, you don’t need a fully defined scope to get started. You can browse freelancers by skill, experience level, location, and availability, review work history, and save profiles before posting a job.
Upwork is best used by companies of all sizes that need flexible, reliable freelance talent. While solopreneurs can use Upwork for one-off projects, the platform really shines when businesses use it to build teams, scale quickly, or bring in specialized skills without the cost of full-time hiring.
When you post a job, Upwork uses your project details—like skills, scope, budget, and timeline—to match you with relevant freelancers, who can then submit proposals, along with suggested candidates based on profile fit.
If you prefer, you can browse and filter freelancers yourself, review their work history and feedback, and invite those who stand out to apply.
Upwork provides detailed information to help you evaluate freelancers before hiring, including:
• Profiles and portfolios
• Verified work history and client feedback
• Skill certifications and identity verification badges
You can message and interview freelancers before starting a contract. For fixed-price projects, funds are held in escrow and released only when you approve the work. For hourly contracts, you can review logged time before billing is finalized.
Yes. You can continue working with freelancers across multiple projects or hire additional specialists as your needs expand. Many clients build trusted freelance networks they rely on long term. There’s no limit to how your team can evolve.
After selecting a freelancer, you create a contract outlining scope, timeline, and budget. You can choose between hourly and fixed-price contracts depending on how you want to manage the work.
Contracts are managed in your Upwork dashboard, where you can message your freelancer, track progress, review work, and manage payments.
For fixed-price projects, funds are held in escrow and released when you approve the work. For hourly projects, you’re billed weekly for logged hours.
Learn more.
You can pay using:
• Credit or debit card
• PayPal
• ACH/direct transfer from a U.S. bank account
• Wire transfer (where available)
• Venmo (U.S. clients)
Eligible U.S.-based Business Plus clients may also qualify for monthly invoicing with Net 30 terms.
You pay a client service fee each time you make a payment to a freelancer. Your default billing method is charged automatically.
For Business Plus clients with Net 30 terms, payment is due 30 days from the end of the invoiced month. Net 30 is available by application to eligible U.S.-based companies.
*Fiverr data sourced from Fiverr.com and other public sources made available by Fiverr.
*This analysis of services is provided for informational purposes only. Each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.